How to Store Your Wheels and Tyres

It’s an issue you may encounter if you own an extra set of wheels or tyres: What is the most effective way to store them when not in use? Many drivers store their tyres incorrectly, which can greatly shorten the tyres’ lifespan. Outgassing is a major problem; as rubber ages, it releases its volatile oils. Under normal conditions, the tyres’ motion keeps oils evenly distributed. However, the problem grows when tyres are stored for a long time without movement. Outgassing should be kept to a minimum to avoid dry rot, and to that end, below are some tips on proper seasonal tyre storage.

Take a Load Off

If you plan to store your alloy rims and tyres for a prolonged period, consider putting the vehicle on jackstands and taking the wheels off for separate storage. Keeping the vehicle’s entire weight on one part of the tyres can flat-spot them, and the continual flex on that part can age the rubber prematurely. While commercially available gadgets claim to help you avoid flat-spotting your tyres, they’re extremely costly—and they don’t work nearly as efficiently as ordinary jack stands.

Clean Things Up

When you remove your Fuel rims from the vehicle, it’s a good time to give them a proper cleaning. Tyres can be cleaned with soapy water, as can most wheels, according to 4X4 steel rims. Don’t use a cleaner that instructs you to rinse it away within a few minutes, as most of these are acid-based. Avoid using tyre dressings, tyre shine and other compounds before storage, and ensure that your wheels and tyres are cooled off before you put them away.

Tag It and Bag It

After removing your 4WD wheels, mark each of the tyres with the position from which it was removed. This will make it easier to rotate or replace them in the proper position next season. Use a paint stick to write on rims and tyres before putting them in a large plastic bag. Try to take out as much air as you can before you seal the bags with tape. If your tyres are wet, allow them to dry completely before you put them in the bag, in order to keep as much moisture out as possible. If you’re really serious about the prevention of outgassing, consider buying vacuum storage bags. The valves on these bags can be connected to a household vacuum cleaner, to provide a nearly airless environment for your tyres. While it may seem like overkill to some, it can keep your tyres newer for longer.

Store Tyres in a Cool and Dry Place

When you buy tyres online AU, you should remember that rubber is designed to absorb heat. When tyres are left outside, they’ll soak up the sun’s heat fairly quickly. Although tyres are also designed for quick heat dissipation, with it comes more outgassing that dries out the rubber. Store your tyres away from sunlight, preferably in a basement or other area that’s moisture-free and climate-controlled. Outdoor and garage storage areas should have as few temperature variations as possible.

Stack Whitewalls Properly

If you find 4X4 tyres for sale that have whitewalls or white lettering, you should store them in a way that prevents discoloration of the tyres’ white parts. If you can’t put them in bags, or if you’re stacking them for future bagging, stack them with the white parts facing one another. These white areas are treated to avoid stains, but the rubber on the back is not.

Choose Accessories Wisely

Some discount 4X4 accessories make tyre storage simple. For instance, Tyre Totes make it easier to handle your tyres for storage. If you use these, be sure to put them on after you bag your tyres. If you plan to store your wheels and tyres in a garage or workshop, reclaim some of your storage space with a storage caddy that fits over the stack of tyres.

When it comes down to it, proper tyre storage is a matter of taking some simple steps to prevent outgassing and dry rot. By following the tips given here, you can ensure that your seasonal tyres last as long as they’re designed to.